Doctrinal Fundamentalism

Jude

            Some time ago I received a newsletter from one of our Baptist universities.  One article that caught my eye was entitled, Baptists, People of the Book.  Two different professors were asked to voice their opinion on this statement, In attempting to accommodate so many different points of view, have we forsaken our roots?  Both teachers were concerned that our churches are increasingly more willing to sacrifice doctrinal beliefs to attract new members.  Some are even dropping the Baptist name altogether.

            From the pulpits of our churches many messages are being proclaimed.  A substantial number of formerly fundamentalist congregations have entirely abandoned Bible teaching/preaching.  Others have relaxed their doctrinal stance so as to not be objectionable to any viewpoint.  In an effort to grow numerically churches increasingly rely upon music programs, specific age group ministries, social activities, etc.

            Jude admonished early Christians to, “earnestly contend for the faith…once delivered to the saints!”  In other words, the Old Time Religion!  Our message is not new, but is the only one capable of renewing mankind.  It is absolutely imperative that we hold sound doctrine and teach that doctrine to those that will one day take our place as leaders of the Church.

            Some of the doctrines losing favor among believers are:

1.      Eternal Security – the belief that Jesus died once for all and that genuine salvation is life encompassing

2.      The Necessity of Conversion – all are sinners and must repent to gain eternal life

3.      Belief in Resurrection and Judgment – we will all stand before God to give account

I.       Belief In A Great and Loving God

A.     Many would bring God to their level

1.      Emotional and limited

2.      Flawed as a human being

B.     Their god is too small

C.     Our God is Creator and Judge

II.     Faith In A Redeeming Savior

A.     Virgin born, fulfilling every prophecy

B.     Miracle worker and faithful Servant

C.     Resurrected Intercessor at God’s right hand

III.  Trust In the Guiding Force, the Holy Spirit

A.     God in us

B.     Teacher, Taskmaster, Overcomer, Helper, God!

IV.  Accepting the Bible As the Inspired Word of God

V.    Jude’s Admonition

A.     Earnestly contend for the truth

1.      One means of salvation

2.      Warning the lost of their peril

B.     The human element of God’s plan

1.      Uncompromising belief and obedience

2.      Stewards of God

We are the Bride of Christ.  A body designed for cross bearing, evangelizing, and loving.  The time is past when we could afford complacency…too much is at stake and not enough time remains to accomplish the work.